1955 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 BMW 650
To start off, 2008 BMW 650 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 650 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1955 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1955 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 650 weights approximately 610 kg more than 1955 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 650 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Austin A 40. (79 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Austin A 40 | 2008 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Austin | BMW |
| Model | A 40 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 4799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
